A:
There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable
and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You
can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green
Guru's secret identity.

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Sunday - August 17, 2008

QUESTION:

Can we grow an orange tree in Albany, CA?

ANSWER:

The orange is unknown in the wild state; it is assumed to have originated in Southern China, northeastern India and perhaps Southeastern Asia. The orange was brought to San Diego, California by those who built the first mission there in 1769. According to one site we found, if you live in Zone 9a to 11, with an annual rainfall of 40", you can grow oranges. Albany, CA in Alameda County is in the Central California coastal zone, and appears to be in Zones 9a to 10a. Since the orange is non-native to North America, we probably can't tell you too much more about growing them, but the University of California Alameda County Extension Office should have that kind of information available. They may very well have information on what are the best cultivars to grow there, what adjustments are needed for soil types, and how much supplemental watering might be required.

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